Portuguese Air Force favors Lockheed Martin F-35
Portugal’s Air Force has ranked Lockheed Martin’s F-35A ahead of European rivals in an internal study for a future fighter jet purchase worth up to €5 billion.
Portugal’s Air Force has ranked Lockheed Martin’s F-35A Lightning II as its preferred option to replace the country’s F-16 fleet, according to an internal study seen by Expresso newspaper. The future contract could be worth between €3 billion and €5 billion, making it one of the country’s largest potential defence purchases.
The study assessed 20 technical criteria and placed the US-made F-35A first. Saab’s Gripen E came second, while the Eurofighter Typhoon, built by Airbus, and Dassault Aviation’s Rafale were also evaluated.
No final decision has been taken and no public tender has yet been launched. The report remains confidential and, according to the office of Defence Minister Nuno Melo, has not yet reached political decision-makers.
The planned purchase would cover between 14 and 28 fighter jets to replace Portugal’s ageing F-16s. Lockheed Martin also built the F-16 aircraft currently operated by the Portuguese Air Force.
Originally published at Eco.pt
